SLIDE-JUMP GAME

Strand: Patterns and Functions

Skill: Pattern recognition and problem solving

Grades: 4th - 6th Grade

Materials: two kinds of markers or different colors of markers. Playing board: a rectangle divided into 9 adjacent squares with each square large enough to place a marker (The students can quickly sketch one of these if given a sample.)

OBJECT OF ACTIVITY:

To move the four red tiles to the original position of the four yellow tiles and to move the four yellow tiles to the original position of the four red tiles.

TO PLAY:

Move either by a slide or a jump. Jumps can only be made over one piece. Moves can only be made into empty spaces. Each tile can only be moved in one direction, that is, you cannot move backwards.

After allowing the students to play the game a few times. Suggest that they can attempt to figure out the game strategy by playing a simpler game. They can try one of each color with one empty square between them. Then, they can try two of each color. If they still need help suggest that they look for a pattern and figure a method to record the pattern(s) they see.

Extensions:

• Once the pattern is found, have the students play a game with 5 pieces of each color to evaluate their strategy.
• Have the students record the moves of a 12 piece game (6 of each color). Then have them play the game to check their moves.
• Have the students use what they have learned to play a game which they have at home. Bring the game to school and share their findings.